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A Man Among Ghosts
Not yet published
Expected 31 Dec 30You'll love this if you like the movie Jacob’s Ladder, Stephen King’s The Dead Zone or Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House.
After surviving a near-death experience, David finds himself haunted by ghosts in the old Victorian house he is renovating. These tortured souls beg for his help and offer him protection from a demonic presence that wants David dead for a crime he doesn’t remember committing. Even more surprising, he soon learns these are spirits of people who are not yet dead. Is this real, is he hallucinating, or is someone trying to drive him insane? As his paranoia ramps up, he discovers the truth is even more bizarre. The haunting won’t stop until he kills a man named “Fitz.”
After surviving a near-death experience, David finds himself haunted by ghosts in the old Victorian house he is renovating. These tortured souls beg for his help and offer him protection from a demonic presence that wants David dead for a crime he doesn’t remember committing. Even more surprising, he soon learns these are spirits of people who are not yet dead. Is this real, is he hallucinating, or is someone trying to drive him insane? As his paranoia ramps up, he discovers the truth is even more bizarre. The haunting won’t stop until he kills a man named “Fitz.”
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2023
17 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 8, 2023
Definitely Not Your Standard Haunted House Story!
David is a quiet introverted man although lonely and unsatisfied with his life when he decides to buy an old Victorian home for a fantastic deal at an auction due to his friend nagging him to invest his money instead of shelling out many thousands each year on rent. Since the house is so old, naturally there will be creepy and odd noises from time to time except somewhat more than he expected. Even though the house needs a lot of work it makes David acquire important purpose in his life and helps him come out of his shell. Shortly after David moves into his new home he also receives some life altering news and then makes a very bad decision which will will have horrific consequences.
Within a short span of time David begins to hear things, sees words written on mirrors or windows and begins to see people appearing in his house even a young child in her pajamas. Now, David does not believe in ghosts so he's not sure what to make of these spectral images who sometimes speak to him and the visions are so real that he calls his neighbor or friends telling them he has intruders breaking into his home. Then he starts seeing visions at his workplace and they are so real that he talks to them until they suddenly disappear or do something crazy where he can't come up with a practical explanation. Since David is suffering from sleepless nights and shattered nerves he gets himself into therapy because he finally comes to the conclusion that he must be losing his mind since "There is no such thing as ghosts".
The wild path that David travels will change his life forever and he will have to make decisions that will affect his friends, family, co-workers and strangely even people he doesn't know. In the meantime he needs to distinguish these visions against reality and he will eventually understand he plays an enormous role in the great fight between good and evil but at what price must David pay when he can't even determine which visions are being truthful or deceitful or just using him for their own evil purposes or to get revenge from their past lives.
What a clever and entertaining story based on a haunted house. The first half of the book will have you thinking this is a typical haunting taking place although it will have you guessing throughout the book who and what are showing themselves to David. I have read a couple of books by the author "Steven Hopstaken" and have always been impressed by his creativity with writing and storytelling. I just loved his book "Stoker's Wilde" and would recommend it to horror readers and others since it just is such a fun ride although it does deal with the supernatural. This book is more of a dark horror although there was some light humor thrown in from time to time which was very appropriate and made the characters more enjoyable with their thoughts and actions. There was an incredible twist to the story that I never saw coming and then all the visions and puzzles that kept me guessing throughout the story finally made sense! I think almost every reader will be stumped by many of the ghosts since the twist that took place was quite unpredictable but by the end I was left shaking my head and saying Wow, I didn't see that coming. I really liked and enjoyed the character of David but I felt he was too matter of fact about several things that were taking place in the last quarter of the book where he didn't seem to be having the appropriate feelings or actions about the horrid events that were happening. I just wanted more emotion from him although this still didn't affect the great story. Some people might find this a very frightening book, for myself it takes a lot to scare me so I thought there were many spooky situations and images but I never felt scared but I loved when I would feel David's fear especially in the first half of the story.
This is an author that never lets me down and I highly recommend this book to all horror readers!
I want to thank the publisher "Flame Tree Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 CREEPY AND SPECTRAL 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
David is a quiet introverted man although lonely and unsatisfied with his life when he decides to buy an old Victorian home for a fantastic deal at an auction due to his friend nagging him to invest his money instead of shelling out many thousands each year on rent. Since the house is so old, naturally there will be creepy and odd noises from time to time except somewhat more than he expected. Even though the house needs a lot of work it makes David acquire important purpose in his life and helps him come out of his shell. Shortly after David moves into his new home he also receives some life altering news and then makes a very bad decision which will will have horrific consequences.
Within a short span of time David begins to hear things, sees words written on mirrors or windows and begins to see people appearing in his house even a young child in her pajamas. Now, David does not believe in ghosts so he's not sure what to make of these spectral images who sometimes speak to him and the visions are so real that he calls his neighbor or friends telling them he has intruders breaking into his home. Then he starts seeing visions at his workplace and they are so real that he talks to them until they suddenly disappear or do something crazy where he can't come up with a practical explanation. Since David is suffering from sleepless nights and shattered nerves he gets himself into therapy because he finally comes to the conclusion that he must be losing his mind since "There is no such thing as ghosts".
The wild path that David travels will change his life forever and he will have to make decisions that will affect his friends, family, co-workers and strangely even people he doesn't know. In the meantime he needs to distinguish these visions against reality and he will eventually understand he plays an enormous role in the great fight between good and evil but at what price must David pay when he can't even determine which visions are being truthful or deceitful or just using him for their own evil purposes or to get revenge from their past lives.
What a clever and entertaining story based on a haunted house. The first half of the book will have you thinking this is a typical haunting taking place although it will have you guessing throughout the book who and what are showing themselves to David. I have read a couple of books by the author "Steven Hopstaken" and have always been impressed by his creativity with writing and storytelling. I just loved his book "Stoker's Wilde" and would recommend it to horror readers and others since it just is such a fun ride although it does deal with the supernatural. This book is more of a dark horror although there was some light humor thrown in from time to time which was very appropriate and made the characters more enjoyable with their thoughts and actions. There was an incredible twist to the story that I never saw coming and then all the visions and puzzles that kept me guessing throughout the story finally made sense! I think almost every reader will be stumped by many of the ghosts since the twist that took place was quite unpredictable but by the end I was left shaking my head and saying Wow, I didn't see that coming. I really liked and enjoyed the character of David but I felt he was too matter of fact about several things that were taking place in the last quarter of the book where he didn't seem to be having the appropriate feelings or actions about the horrid events that were happening. I just wanted more emotion from him although this still didn't affect the great story. Some people might find this a very frightening book, for myself it takes a lot to scare me so I thought there were many spooky situations and images but I never felt scared but I loved when I would feel David's fear especially in the first half of the story.
This is an author that never lets me down and I highly recommend this book to all horror readers!
I want to thank the publisher "Flame Tree Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 4 CREEPY AND SPECTRAL 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
March 20, 2023
Firstly I have to state that I am a stickler for a haunted house story.
Luckily this book delivers that but with some interesting twists and turns on the way. It's like Amityville crossed with Back to the Future and then with a slight hint of Blake Crouch's Dark Matter.
A man Among Ghosts was a well-paced read, with a good amount of action and had just about everything else you would expect from a haunted house story.
I have to say that I did have some minor issues with the writing style being a little too matter-of-fact for my tastes, but the storytelling itself did more than enough to negate this and ultimately made for an enjoyable and exciting reading experience.
A fairly immersive and enjoyable read.
This one is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of haunted house stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for supplying me with an ARC copy for review.
Luckily this book delivers that but with some interesting twists and turns on the way. It's like Amityville crossed with Back to the Future and then with a slight hint of Blake Crouch's Dark Matter.
A man Among Ghosts was a well-paced read, with a good amount of action and had just about everything else you would expect from a haunted house story.
I have to say that I did have some minor issues with the writing style being a little too matter-of-fact for my tastes, but the storytelling itself did more than enough to negate this and ultimately made for an enjoyable and exciting reading experience.
A fairly immersive and enjoyable read.
This one is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of haunted house stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for supplying me with an ARC copy for review.
March 4, 2023
A fun haunted house story with a twist! 👻
I love haunted house stories and this one was so good! I wasn’t expecting the twists but they were what made this story so unique. As things got scarier I kept wondering why David just didn’t leave?! It was creepy and atmospheric. I loved it!
After surviving a near death experience David finds himself haunted by ghosts while renovating his Victorian house. They are desperate for David to protect them from the evil presence that wants David dead for something he can’t remember. Is what David experiencing real or is he going crazy?
A Man Among Ghosts is available March 7, 2023
Thank you netgalley and flame tee press for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I love haunted house stories and this one was so good! I wasn’t expecting the twists but they were what made this story so unique. As things got scarier I kept wondering why David just didn’t leave?! It was creepy and atmospheric. I loved it!
After surviving a near death experience David finds himself haunted by ghosts while renovating his Victorian house. They are desperate for David to protect them from the evil presence that wants David dead for something he can’t remember. Is what David experiencing real or is he going crazy?
A Man Among Ghosts is available March 7, 2023
Thank you netgalley and flame tee press for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2023
This book held so much promise but unfortunately for me it did not deliver. The three authors that were mentioned in the blurb would have been outraged. I think that I am in the minority as other readers are raving about this book. Don't get me wrong ìt has a really good storyline and I loved the main character but the ending left me feeling flat and wanting so much more. I know other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 30, 2023
So, I started out this book thinking it was a typical haunted house story. It was seriously creepy, I loved our MC, and I occasionally muttered under my breath about a few things that didn’t make sense to me. #1 was why David didn’t just nope on out of there. Because, straight up, I would have left that house long before most of the things in this book happened.
However (and a big however), it soon became clear that this wasn’t just an ordinary haunted house story! All the little things that confused me suddenly made sense and I loved, loved, loved the reasons behind everything.
While the author does give a nod to a pretty famous Stephen King novel, it’s simply a nod and this one stands on its own.
A very unique story that kept me guessing!
• ARC via Publisher
However (and a big however), it soon became clear that this wasn’t just an ordinary haunted house story! All the little things that confused me suddenly made sense and I loved, loved, loved the reasons behind everything.
While the author does give a nod to a pretty famous Stephen King novel, it’s simply a nod and this one stands on its own.
A very unique story that kept me guessing!
• ARC via Publisher
July 31, 2023
After surviving a near-death experience, David finds himself haunted by ghosts in the old Victorian house he is renovating. These tortured souls beg for his help and offer him protection from a demonic presence that wants David dead for a crime he doesn’t remember committing. Even more surprising, he soon learns these are spirits of people who are not yet dead. Is this real, is he hallucinating, or is someone trying to drive him insane? As his paranoia ramps up, he discovers the truth is even more bizarre. The haunting won’t stop until he kills a man named “Fitz.”
This book was a strange one, I loved the concept and the characterisation and at times it kind of gave me horror movie ‘Insidious’ feels what with the past residents of the house appearing as ghosts all over the show which was just downright creepy. But I guess it was more the execution of the overall plot that brought the book down for me; I feel there was room for a lot of editing which ultimately made the story, at times, long winded and convoluted which is why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have.
This book was a strange one, I loved the concept and the characterisation and at times it kind of gave me horror movie ‘Insidious’ feels what with the past residents of the house appearing as ghosts all over the show which was just downright creepy. But I guess it was more the execution of the overall plot that brought the book down for me; I feel there was room for a lot of editing which ultimately made the story, at times, long winded and convoluted which is why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have.
February 14, 2023
A Man Among Ghosts is a great book, one that is fast paced, full of wit, and the sense of paranoia that Hopstaken builds into this novel feels natural until you're left wondering what the truth actually is!
Okay first and foremost a warning about this book - DO NOT READ IT AFTER DARK!! Unless of course you are brave and stomach some of the creepy and dark language that Hopstaken wove intricately into this story. I'm serious, this book I genuinely terrifying at times.
This book centers around David, our main character, who finds his life lacking. His best friends are moving, his relationships have failed, and he might only have a few months left to live. However, upon purchasing his new Victorian home, he begins to experience the paranormal and this is where everything hits the fan.
Hear me out - I'm a major fan of Flame Tree Press. I genuinely think that the horror stories that they tell are terrifying. You might call me biased based on that. But I think that this book has a lot for readers across genres and of all ages. Check it out!
Okay first and foremost a warning about this book - DO NOT READ IT AFTER DARK!! Unless of course you are brave and stomach some of the creepy and dark language that Hopstaken wove intricately into this story. I'm serious, this book I genuinely terrifying at times.
This book centers around David, our main character, who finds his life lacking. His best friends are moving, his relationships have failed, and he might only have a few months left to live. However, upon purchasing his new Victorian home, he begins to experience the paranormal and this is where everything hits the fan.
Hear me out - I'm a major fan of Flame Tree Press. I genuinely think that the horror stories that they tell are terrifying. You might call me biased based on that. But I think that this book has a lot for readers across genres and of all ages. Check it out!
January 10, 2023
I have read and loved Steven Hopstaken's Stoker's Wilde series so I was interested to read A Man Among Ghosts. This is a totally different piece of horror fiction compared to the Stoker's Wilde series, it's set in the present, it's not populated by real characters and at it's heart is a haunted house tale. I'm surprised that Hopstaken remains relatively unknown, his previous two novels are great and this modern haunted house story works just a well, the humour is there and there are plenty of unnerving moments. An author to look out for.
February 1, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for providing me with the ARC!
This one was an interesting read and had a lot of potential with the plot and its twists. I went in expecting the usual haunted house story, but this book offered a lot more than that. I didn't enjoy the writing style or voice of David's character as it all seemed a bit rushed - at times, I felt like I was reading a bulleted list of everything the characters were doing without much description.
That being said, the concept really made up for everything I didn't quite like. Strange things start happening right from the start, and before long it's clear that something more than a regular haunting is going on. After about thirty percent of the way into the story, it got really difficult to put the book down. I wanted to know what was actually going on with David's character and the house, and I wasn't disappointed with the twists at the end.
Overall, I thought that the concept was well thought-out, but the book needed different take with the writing style and voice of David's character.
This one was an interesting read and had a lot of potential with the plot and its twists. I went in expecting the usual haunted house story, but this book offered a lot more than that. I didn't enjoy the writing style or voice of David's character as it all seemed a bit rushed - at times, I felt like I was reading a bulleted list of everything the characters were doing without much description.
That being said, the concept really made up for everything I didn't quite like. Strange things start happening right from the start, and before long it's clear that something more than a regular haunting is going on. After about thirty percent of the way into the story, it got really difficult to put the book down. I wanted to know what was actually going on with David's character and the house, and I wasn't disappointed with the twists at the end.
Overall, I thought that the concept was well thought-out, but the book needed different take with the writing style and voice of David's character.
January 27, 2023
I love a good horror story, the kind that makes you want to sleep with the light on. This is that, but it is an amazingly well written ghost story.
Well written and very thought provoking this non traditional ghost story will make you think about messages from the beyond. Filled with a fantastic group of characters you wont want to put this book down until you know just how it ends.
Or does it? With a possible cliff hanger I'm certainly interested in book 2. Don't worry though it does offer an ending to the story and a teasing of more.
This isn't a before bed read. So grab it for a weekend read, keep the lights on and the coffee hot.
Thank you netgalley for the chance to read in exchange for an honest review.
Well written and very thought provoking this non traditional ghost story will make you think about messages from the beyond. Filled with a fantastic group of characters you wont want to put this book down until you know just how it ends.
Or does it? With a possible cliff hanger I'm certainly interested in book 2. Don't worry though it does offer an ending to the story and a teasing of more.
This isn't a before bed read. So grab it for a weekend read, keep the lights on and the coffee hot.
Thank you netgalley for the chance to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2023
I received this book from Flame Tree Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This statement is always true. I’m not given compensation to discuss a book and I’m not told how to rate a book. I am given a book in exchange for my opinions on it, and I am truthful in all my reviews whether I loved them or not.
I love paranormal and ghost stories, and this book did not disappoint at all. There was definitely a creepy tone and some unimaginable horror scenes that were greatly executed. I really took to the hauntings and multiple ghosts throughout the whole book. I enjoyed that the paranormal activity started early and continued to the end of the book.
David is a single man who, by recommendation of his best friend Gary, bought an old Victorian House at an auction. Unfortunately for David, he is diagnosed with cancer. Visions and hallucinations haunt David. He seeks to find answers from Gary, Gary's girlfriend Shannon, his girlfriend Cassy, and a few other people that he meets along the way. David is run ragged by the hauntings and he cannot separate reality from fiction. He is asked to do an unthinkable act. He resists, but does his resistance lasts, or does he all under the pressure of un-living corpses? This book will make you question how far would you go to save innocent souls?
Mr. Hopstaken develops the story very well, the characters are intriguing and each one plays a significant part in David's journey. This is a masterpiece of a paranormal thriller, suspense, and a sense of horror. After reading this, if you don't believe in ghosts, you very well may begin to.
Thank you Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and rate this book.
I love paranormal and ghost stories, and this book did not disappoint at all. There was definitely a creepy tone and some unimaginable horror scenes that were greatly executed. I really took to the hauntings and multiple ghosts throughout the whole book. I enjoyed that the paranormal activity started early and continued to the end of the book.
David is a single man who, by recommendation of his best friend Gary, bought an old Victorian House at an auction. Unfortunately for David, he is diagnosed with cancer. Visions and hallucinations haunt David. He seeks to find answers from Gary, Gary's girlfriend Shannon, his girlfriend Cassy, and a few other people that he meets along the way. David is run ragged by the hauntings and he cannot separate reality from fiction. He is asked to do an unthinkable act. He resists, but does his resistance lasts, or does he all under the pressure of un-living corpses? This book will make you question how far would you go to save innocent souls?
Mr. Hopstaken develops the story very well, the characters are intriguing and each one plays a significant part in David's journey. This is a masterpiece of a paranormal thriller, suspense, and a sense of horror. After reading this, if you don't believe in ghosts, you very well may begin to.
Thank you Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and rate this book.
March 30, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
I love horror books, so I had high hopes for this book. While It was a good book overall, I don't think haunted house horror books are my ... desired trope in the horror genre I suppose.
It was well-written. The storyline was solid with some great twists.
The world-building was great.... but I think the character development left something to be desired. We mostly only saw David's POV, which was the main point I suppose.
Again, overall a good book. technically a well-written novel. I just didn't LOVE it as much as I wanted to.
I did enjoy this read, and I'll be looking for more books by the author!
I love horror books, so I had high hopes for this book. While It was a good book overall, I don't think haunted house horror books are my ... desired trope in the horror genre I suppose.
It was well-written. The storyline was solid with some great twists.
The world-building was great.... but I think the character development left something to be desired. We mostly only saw David's POV, which was the main point I suppose.
Again, overall a good book. technically a well-written novel. I just didn't LOVE it as much as I wanted to.
I did enjoy this read, and I'll be looking for more books by the author!
December 29, 2022
Shortly after David buys an old Victorian fix-er-up he has a medical close call that leaves a small part of his brain changed. When he begins to see and hear ghosts he fears brain damage, insanity or even paranoia. He should be so lucky. The many spirits that haunt David are trying to get an urgent message across. “Kill Fitz”. Who is Fitz? David has no idea and he also has no plans to kill anyone anyway. Like most people receiving messages from the dead David is also frustrated with their cryptic communication methods. If you, Ghost, can do all 0f these creepy, spooky things and show me all these creepy visions why can’t you simply complete one sentence like, what’s up with this Fitz guy and why should I kill him?” When David finally thinks he’s solved.the entire puzzle he faces a terrible dilemma. He has a choice to make. Neither option is appealing, and both are terrifying and either way David knows he’s about to lose what’s dearest to him.
This books takes you on a wild ride as a passenger in David’s mind. What is real? What’s in his mind? Is someone just messing with him? Is it demonic, evil, spiritual? Is the house haunted, or is David haunted, or hallucinating? This wild ride reached a satisfying destination and we realize, finally, the whole truth and we know if David made the right choice after all.
#AManAmongGhosts
This books takes you on a wild ride as a passenger in David’s mind. What is real? What’s in his mind? Is someone just messing with him? Is it demonic, evil, spiritual? Is the house haunted, or is David haunted, or hallucinating? This wild ride reached a satisfying destination and we realize, finally, the whole truth and we know if David made the right choice after all.
#AManAmongGhosts
December 9, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book!
This is a ghost story but with an original premise that I really enjoyed. Because these aren't your typical spirits and this isn't your typical haunted house.
I always love when authors can take a standard horror trope and do something new and fresh with it. That's certainly the case here. There are plenty of ghosts in this novel, some seemingly benevolent almost and one in particular that just wants to kill our main protagonist.
Without giving away spoilers, this book imagines ghosts and hauntings from a time/space almost sci-fi perspective and there are enough red herrings and opinions from other characters that keeps the reader guessing until the truth is revealed.
This book is well paced and not overly wordy when it comes to mundane things. The characters are all different and fleshed out but the main focus is on the protagonist and what he's experiencing. Some of these situations are disturbing and frightening and these scenes solidify the mental state of the protagonist.
I really enjoyed this book, and even though the religious cult aspect fizzed out near the end with no resolution, there's still more than enough great stuff to give this book five stars. I do recommend it!
This is a ghost story but with an original premise that I really enjoyed. Because these aren't your typical spirits and this isn't your typical haunted house.
I always love when authors can take a standard horror trope and do something new and fresh with it. That's certainly the case here. There are plenty of ghosts in this novel, some seemingly benevolent almost and one in particular that just wants to kill our main protagonist.
Without giving away spoilers, this book imagines ghosts and hauntings from a time/space almost sci-fi perspective and there are enough red herrings and opinions from other characters that keeps the reader guessing until the truth is revealed.
This book is well paced and not overly wordy when it comes to mundane things. The characters are all different and fleshed out but the main focus is on the protagonist and what he's experiencing. Some of these situations are disturbing and frightening and these scenes solidify the mental state of the protagonist.
I really enjoyed this book, and even though the religious cult aspect fizzed out near the end with no resolution, there's still more than enough great stuff to give this book five stars. I do recommend it!
January 3, 2023
What a fabulous story this was! Hopstaken is definitely on my list of people to watch after this one... He has crafted an incredible universe and populated it with fantastic characters, alive and dead, and used them to present a story that is engaging, creepy, and holy entertaining. As each chapter unfolds more weirdness is revealed, but it all comes together beautifully through the authors wonderful use of language. This was a super fast read for me and it held me in thrall from the first pages.
And that ending! I wonder if we might see more of the delightful David - and I truly hope we do!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
And that ending! I wonder if we might see more of the delightful David - and I truly hope we do!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
December 26, 2022
I am so lucky to have stumbled upon A Man Among Ghosts by Steven Hopstaken! This book was weird and awesome, a true hidden gem. I was hooked by the first page and couldn't put the book down. The storyline was intriguing and truly terrifying. Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!
December 23, 2022
This was such an original and interesting read that gave me chills and made the hairs stick up on the back of my neck. I didn't know what ti think or who to believe. I loved it.
March 19, 2023
Rating: 2.5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 2/5
Cover: 3.75/5
Story: 1.5/5
Writing: 2/5
Horror: 2/5
Genre: Horror
Type: Ebook
Worth?: No
Hated|Disliked|It Was Okay|Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
First thing I want to say is if Steven would find a better editor it would be a good story, or at least decent. The writing alone was just... not the best. For example, how he said someone was sitting but they were also rolling around? That part could have been TERRIFYING if I wasn't drawn out of my zone of focus. Again, with the right editor this could have gone from a 2 to at least a 4.
Characters: 2/5
Cover: 3.75/5
Story: 1.5/5
Writing: 2/5
Horror: 2/5
Genre: Horror
Type: Ebook
Worth?: No
Hated|Disliked|It Was Okay|Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
First thing I want to say is if Steven would find a better editor it would be a good story, or at least decent. The writing alone was just... not the best. For example, how he said someone was sitting but they were also rolling around? That part could have been TERRIFYING if I wasn't drawn out of my zone of focus. Again, with the right editor this could have gone from a 2 to at least a 4.
March 17, 2023
A Man Among Ghosts by Steven Hopstaken brings us a scary ordeal of a man who encounters ghosts in his house. Foe the first few pages nothing much happens. But after few incidents the plot picks its pace and the real terror starts. The most exciting part of the plot is that we are left to figure out that is it our character's schizophrenia or real ghosts he is seeing. It was really an enjoyable read.
I would like to give 4 stars to the book. Thanks to Random Things Tours for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
I would like to give 4 stars to the book. Thanks to Random Things Tours for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
March 15, 2023
What a refreshing read. A bit ghost story, a bit gothic story, a few sci-fi notions. I found the plot and in general, the whole idea quite interesting. The beginning of the story seemingly quite straightforward, however as follow the main character along... The story keeps the reader on their toes, as up until the last chapter it is not entirely clear where the truth lies. And even the ending is open for interpretation.
It's a horror story with a modern twist and lots of possibilities which excellent subject for further discussion.
Short, concise, fun and serious and the same time. Even spooky. I enjoyed it immensely!
It's a horror story with a modern twist and lots of possibilities which excellent subject for further discussion.
Short, concise, fun and serious and the same time. Even spooky. I enjoyed it immensely!
March 9, 2023
Hopstaken's take on a haunted house story is absolutely insane, there are more ghosts than you can even begin to imagine. They're not dead people...and they'll leave you alone, if you kill Fitz!
Honestly this was so good, I read it over an afternoon as I couldn't tear myself away from it. The plot was so clever and I've never read anything like it before. And the twists, they certainly added a whole new spin on the whole haunted house story didn't they?
Victorian built homes are the perfect backdrop for stories like this, so David's new home set the scene nicely. All of the characters were fantastic, well rounded and all brought their own spin to the story.
I loved the Stokers Wilde series, and reading this has reminded me just how amazing an author Hopstaken is.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly this was so good, I read it over an afternoon as I couldn't tear myself away from it. The plot was so clever and I've never read anything like it before. And the twists, they certainly added a whole new spin on the whole haunted house story didn't they?
Victorian built homes are the perfect backdrop for stories like this, so David's new home set the scene nicely. All of the characters were fantastic, well rounded and all brought their own spin to the story.
I loved the Stokers Wilde series, and reading this has reminded me just how amazing an author Hopstaken is.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 20, 2023
A Man Among Ghosts is a horror story about a man (duh) who moves into an old house and finds himself surrounded by ghosts (DUH) - the book certainly keeps what it promises on the title in that regard!
After fiding himself accosted by ghosts - some benevolent, some less so - David has to figure out what they want - and why they don't want him to leave the house behind, while simultaneously balancing a slew of other problems .
With the help of his friends, he tries to solve the riddle before the increasingly violent ghost attacks may end up costing him his life.
Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of the writing style, and thought it could have profited from some more thorough editing to smoothe out the sometimes sketchy grammar.
A Man among ghosts is an engaging and fast-paced read, not too high on the horror- and gore scales. I would recommend it to people who are looking for a gateway book into horror that isn't too scary.
I want to thank NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here expressed are my own.
After fiding himself accosted by ghosts - some benevolent, some less so - David has to figure out what they want - and why they don't want him to leave the house behind, while simultaneously balancing a slew of other problems .
With the help of his friends, he tries to solve the riddle before the increasingly violent ghost attacks may end up costing him his life.
Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of the writing style, and thought it could have profited from some more thorough editing to smoothe out the sometimes sketchy grammar.
A Man among ghosts is an engaging and fast-paced read, not too high on the horror- and gore scales. I would recommend it to people who are looking for a gateway book into horror that isn't too scary.
I want to thank NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here expressed are my own.
January 10, 2023
For me this book felt like a cross between Stephen King's The Shining and Blake Crouch's Dark Matter. Right in line with my favorites!
After purchasing an old Victorian home and surviving a near death experience, David begins seeing ghosts. Some are out to kill him while others seem to be trying to help him. He starts to realize these are ghosts of people he knows and worries he may be hallucinating or worse, someone is doing this to him on purpose. David realizes the hauntings won't stop until he does what they are asking, "Kill Fitz." But who is Fitz??
I read this book pretty quickly even though the chapters were pretty long. Every time I put it down I found myself going back to the story and wanting more. I couldn't decide if David was actually seeing ghosts or if he was hallucinating. And I didn't know who was real and who was a ghost so I was skeptical of all characters at all times.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 starts was because I felt like there needed to be one more chapter that explained a little more. The ending felt a little rushed. Also, I didn't really understand the Alice in Wonderland themed chapter titles. But maybe I missed the obvious on that one?
After purchasing an old Victorian home and surviving a near death experience, David begins seeing ghosts. Some are out to kill him while others seem to be trying to help him. He starts to realize these are ghosts of people he knows and worries he may be hallucinating or worse, someone is doing this to him on purpose. David realizes the hauntings won't stop until he does what they are asking, "Kill Fitz." But who is Fitz??
I read this book pretty quickly even though the chapters were pretty long. Every time I put it down I found myself going back to the story and wanting more. I couldn't decide if David was actually seeing ghosts or if he was hallucinating. And I didn't know who was real and who was a ghost so I was skeptical of all characters at all times.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 starts was because I felt like there needed to be one more chapter that explained a little more. The ending felt a little rushed. Also, I didn't really understand the Alice in Wonderland themed chapter titles. But maybe I missed the obvious on that one?
January 10, 2023
What an absolute delight to read – this was such a unique premise and gave me all of the psychological thriller fun I want from a horror along with well-placed and well-timed humour to add some lightness. I think it’s important to know that this isn’t a typical ghost or horror story, and the characters aren’t your typical ghosts – however, the characters are all wonderfully written, and the entire plot is captivating
Hopstaken is incredible. There’s a reason the early reviews are as high as they are.
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing, on edge and invested from the first chapter, this is the one for you. The pacing felt perfect, leaving the perfect amount of time and space to process the story and question what comes next. So many eerie moments! This is a five star read that kept me hooked from the minute I booted up my kindle.
As usual, I read this initially as an ARC through NetGalley, but I’m genuinely excited for this to be released so I can add it to my shelves and revisit Hopstaken’s writing again and again.
Hopstaken is incredible. There’s a reason the early reviews are as high as they are.
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing, on edge and invested from the first chapter, this is the one for you. The pacing felt perfect, leaving the perfect amount of time and space to process the story and question what comes next. So many eerie moments! This is a five star read that kept me hooked from the minute I booted up my kindle.
As usual, I read this initially as an ARC through NetGalley, but I’m genuinely excited for this to be released so I can add it to my shelves and revisit Hopstaken’s writing again and again.
August 1, 2023
After buying a house that needs many repairs and upgrades, David finds out that the migraines he is experiencing aren’t migraines. With a trial treatment he is cured of the disease but one of the side effects is that he now sees ghosts. These ghosts have a plan and need David to carry it out.
This is my first book of 2023 and it’s going to be hard to read anything better this year. The characters are wonderful. I like David and I empathize with him. Gary, Shannon and Gus were also very likable. The cat too and I wish I knew more about him. Cassy I’m not sure about.
This isn’t your typical haunted house story. It’s so much more. The reason why is something I will not spoil for you. It’s a perfect read for horror fans. I will definitely be looking for more to read from Mr. Hopstaken.
This is my first book of 2023 and it’s going to be hard to read anything better this year. The characters are wonderful. I like David and I empathize with him. Gary, Shannon and Gus were also very likable. The cat too and I wish I knew more about him. Cassy I’m not sure about.
This isn’t your typical haunted house story. It’s so much more. The reason why is something I will not spoil for you. It’s a perfect read for horror fans. I will definitely be looking for more to read from Mr. Hopstaken.
January 17, 2023
thanks to netgalley for an arc of this book this was such a good book!! david buys an old victorian house with rumours of being haunted, but he doesn't believe in ghosts, until he sees them. we follow him trying to figure out whether the ghosts he sees are in fact ghosts, or if they're hallucinations caused by his recent brain damage. the maybe-ghosts crop up in different parts of his life, giving him mixed messages that he can't fully make sense of. we go for a wild ride in davids mind as he tries to figure out whether the ghosts are really there, and which ones he should believe.
this was a fun book and it ends in a way that hints at a sequel and I SO hope there is one !! I definitely recommend getting a copy when it's out if you're into horror and want a modern haunted house story
this was a fun book and it ends in a way that hints at a sequel and I SO hope there is one !! I definitely recommend getting a copy when it's out if you're into horror and want a modern haunted house story
January 18, 2023
tw: suicide attempt
This was my first Steven Hopstaken read and I can safely say it won’t be my last. I was invested fromthe first chapter, and the pacing of the story was just perfect for me.
I went in thinking that this would be the usual haunted house ghost story, but it was so much more! I was left second guessing what was real and what was in David’s mind after most chapters.
The ending hints that another book might follow, so fingers crossed we have not herd the last from David. 🤞🏼
Thank you to netgalley and Flame Tree Press for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first Steven Hopstaken read and I can safely say it won’t be my last. I was invested fromthe first chapter, and the pacing of the story was just perfect for me.
I went in thinking that this would be the usual haunted house ghost story, but it was so much more! I was left second guessing what was real and what was in David’s mind after most chapters.
The ending hints that another book might follow, so fingers crossed we have not herd the last from David. 🤞🏼
Thank you to netgalley and Flame Tree Press for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 14, 2023
After a near death experience in his newly acquired Victorian house, David finds himself haunted by ghosts. The weirdest part? The ghosts don't just stick to his old house and some of the ghosts are people who are still alive. Is he losing his mind or are there really ghosts trying to get an important message to him?
This was a haunted house story, but not as you know it. The premise and how the story unfolds was definitely unique., It was genuinely very creepy and I was definitely scared at some points, which doesn't happen often for me (growing up reading Stephen King, when I was way too young for his books, made me pretty difficult to scare in a book). I enjoyed the nod to King's The Dead Zone without it trying to imitate it.
This book had so much promise and I wanted to love it, but in the end it just didn't deliver. The writing style was not for me, it was written more like statements and didn't flow well, and the dialogue was very clunky and unnatural. I don't need my horror to be written in prose, but I also don't want to be walked through every step - show, don't tell. Despite that, I was enjoying it and it kept me turning pages. Until the end, which felt flat and rushed. I was left thinking "oh, was that it?". I rarely say this, but it could have done with being a little longer to really flesh out the ending.
I'm rating this a 3.5 overall, because despite the writing style and the disappointing ending, it was a unique and mostly unpredictable ghost story that did have me scared multiple times. It was a quick read as well, so while it won't go on my favourites list I wouldn't necessarily shy away from recommending it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was a haunted house story, but not as you know it. The premise and how the story unfolds was definitely unique., It was genuinely very creepy and I was definitely scared at some points, which doesn't happen often for me (growing up reading Stephen King, when I was way too young for his books, made me pretty difficult to scare in a book). I enjoyed the nod to King's The Dead Zone without it trying to imitate it.
This book had so much promise and I wanted to love it, but in the end it just didn't deliver. The writing style was not for me, it was written more like statements and didn't flow well, and the dialogue was very clunky and unnatural. I don't need my horror to be written in prose, but I also don't want to be walked through every step - show, don't tell. Despite that, I was enjoying it and it kept me turning pages. Until the end, which felt flat and rushed. I was left thinking "oh, was that it?". I rarely say this, but it could have done with being a little longer to really flesh out the ending.
I'm rating this a 3.5 overall, because despite the writing style and the disappointing ending, it was a unique and mostly unpredictable ghost story that did have me scared multiple times. It was a quick read as well, so while it won't go on my favourites list I wouldn't necessarily shy away from recommending it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flame Tree for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 11, 2023
A young man decides it's time to start "adulting" and buys himself a 100-year-old house. As soon as he arrives he finds out he has a brain tumour and starts hallucinating. But are these hallucinations or ghosts? If they are ghosts, there are many of them and they want something from him. Meanwhile, there is an evil one who wants to hurt him.
This was a standard ghost story I'd call mostly a cosy. There are injured ghosts and mild violence. The story was enjoyable and quick to read at under 300 pages. I found it a speed read and thought the various reasons people gave him (hallucinations, grifters, demons, ghosts) a lot of fun. Not the best writing but a very good read.
This was a standard ghost story I'd call mostly a cosy. There are injured ghosts and mild violence. The story was enjoyable and quick to read at under 300 pages. I found it a speed read and thought the various reasons people gave him (hallucinations, grifters, demons, ghosts) a lot of fun. Not the best writing but a very good read.
June 12, 2023
So, again, I’m not really into horror, but it’s supposed to be scary, right? This wasn’t.
The writing is serviceable. Everything was ‘fine.’ There is enough of a question about what is really happening in the beginning to be interesting. And David’s paranoia adds confusion. It’s a decent story.
Content: scattered profanity; some moderate sexual content; ghosts and paranormal activity; body horror (I think - not really my genre); violence; murder; muddy morality.
The writing is serviceable. Everything was ‘fine.’ There is enough of a question about what is really happening in the beginning to be interesting. And David’s paranoia adds confusion. It’s a decent story.
Content: scattered profanity; some moderate sexual content; ghosts and paranormal activity; body horror (I think - not really my genre); violence; murder; muddy morality.
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